There are several artists who resonate when it comes to singing love songs; one such artist is Dr. Hugh Beresford Hammond. Beres was born on August 28, 1955, in Annotto Bay, Saint Mary, Jamaica. He grew up listening to his father’s collection of American soul and jazz music, including artists like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Stevie Wonder. He was also influenced by Jamaican genres and legendary singers like Peter Tosh, Ken Boothe and Alton Ellis. Unfortunately, his father was against him pursuing a career in music but mom had a different perception.  Beres love for music was evident as he started participating in local talent shows in 1972, which lead to his first recording of Alton Ellis’ “Wanderer.” In 1975, he joined the band Zap Pow as the lead singer and later generated the hit single “The System” in 1978. Simultaneously, he pursued a solo career and released his debut album, “Soul Reggae,” in 1976.  With such a title, many considered him an R&B artist. He gave us a chart topping single that same year in “One step ahead”. In 1978 he collaborated with producer Joe Gibbs and blessed us with “I’m in love”. Both singles did well for the smooth crooner.

Leaving Zap Pow in 1979, Hammond recorded solo albums like “Just a man” and “Let’s Make a Song” in 1980 followed by “Red Light” in 1981.  He worked extensively with Willie Lindo and Joe Gibbs/ Errol Thompson (mighty two). In 1985, he formed his own record label, Harmony House Records; releasing the album “Make a Song” with chart-topping tracks “What one dance can do” and “Groovy little thing”, both with influential style the emerging presence of dancehall. Beres started to gain international attention with the 1986 hit “Settling Down” and the 1987 album “Have a Nice Weekend,” recorded in New York City. After dealing with the ordeal of a home invasion, he stayed in the city and teamed with Maxi Priest on the 1988 duet “How can we ease the pain”. He later returned to Jamaica amidst the ruins of Hurricane Gilbert and recorded “Putting up a resistance”, a hit produced by Tappa Zukie.  In 1990, he teamed with Donovan Germain and signed with Penthouse Records. The combination produced the dancehall smash “Tempted to touch,” and “Who say” with Buju Banton, one of his biggest chart topping single. The 1990s saw Hammond releasing several albums, “A Love Affair” in 1992; giving us “Is this a sign” and “Respect to you baby”. As his popularity grew, so did the interest of major labels. He had an encounter with Elektra Records that yielded the R&B infused hit “No disturb sign” from his “In Control” album.

Considered the top male vocalist out of Jamaica, Beres took advantage of the opportunity and toured extensively, while making chart hitting albums. His 2001 “Music Is Life” featured collaborations with international artist Wyclef Jean, Pam Hall and Flourgon. The album generated several hits that were all anthems amongst his fans and garnered his first Grammy nomination. They included, “They gonna Talk”, “Rockaway” and “Ain’t It Good to Know”.  His 2008 album, “A Moment in Time,” topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart again.  In 2012, he released “One Love, One Life,” which also topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and got nominated for a Grammy. In 2013, he was awarded the Order of Jamaica (OJ) by the Jamaican government for his exceptional contribution to the music industry. We witnessed the 2018 album “Never Ending,” topped the Billboard Reggae and I-Tunes charts in its first week. Beres was now considered Jamaica’s most prolific singer / songwriter and continued touring globally.  In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hammond participated in a streaming event titled “Love from a Distance Live” in collaboration with VP Records. Fans were treated to special guest appearances from Buju Banton, Marcia Griffiths, Popcaan and others.  On August 20, 2023, he was awarded for his dedication and musical artistry by the Jamaican Museum and Cultural Center in Atlanta, GA. Each year Dr. Hammond showcases some of the best entertainers on his “Love and Harmony Music Cruise”. His enduring career and contributions to reggae music have solidified his status as a prominent figure in the genre. In November of 2023, the king of Lovers Rock was conferred with an honorary degree, Doctors of Letters from The University of the West Indies (UWI) during its class of 2023 graduation ceremony. With over 20 studio albums, 2 Grammy nominations and a career that spans over 50 years; there’s nothing that one can do to stop this man from trying. He was recently honored at the 2023 Caribbean Music Award for “Best Male Vocalist of the year”. Truly, a legend and pioneer with an unbreakable bond with his audience on a global level.  We salute you Dr. Hugh Beresford Hammond.